Greek police officer loses MP5 submachine gun and stun grenade in supermarket bag
A Greek police officer has lost an MP5 submachine gun and a stun grenade after the supermarket bag in which he was carrying his equipment reportedly fell during transit in Chalandri, near Athens. The firearm and explosive device remain missing, while police search operations are ongoing.
The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, 2 November, as the officer was travelling to an assignment in Chalandri, according to a report by Greek news outlet Newsbomb.
The officer was reportedly carrying his service equipment, including an MP5 submachine gun, a stun grenade and a police radio, in an ordinary supermarket bag rather than an authorised equipment carrier.
BAG FELL DURING TRANSIT
According to the report, the bag fell onto the road while the officer was travelling, causing the equipment inside to be lost.
Police searches subsequently recovered the officer's service radio. However, the MP5 submachine gun and the stun grenade, also known as a flash-bang device, have yet to be located.
The Hellenic Police (EL.AS.) is continuing search and investigative operations to establish where the missing equipment may be.
SECURITY PROCEDURES UNDER SCRUTINY
The incident has raised questions about the handling, transportation and safekeeping of police firearms and specialised equipment.
Particular attention has focused on reports that the officer was carrying his service weapon and other equipment in a supermarket bag rather than using the designated secure carrying equipment.
Authorities are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether any procedural violations or disciplinary responsibilities were involved.
The disappearance of a police firearm and an explosive device in a public area has also raised concerns about the possibility of the equipment falling into the wrong hands.
